Manchester United sack manager Louis van Gaal, Mourinho in pole position to take over

Louis van Gaal was also booed off sometimes by Manchester United fans.

Louis Van Gaal was criticised for his style of play. Pictured: Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal at the end of the match against Leicester City last week.Reuters

Louis van Gaal's reign as Manchester United manager has come to an end two days after helping his team win the FA Cup, when they defeated Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Dutchman has been reportedly given a £5million pay-off as he had joined the club for a three-year deal in 2014.

There were huge hopes from Van Gaal, and United fans believed that the Dutcman was the right manager to take the Red Devils to greater heights, but it was not to be, rather his football philosophies were questioned, and he found himself on the backfoot when results did not go his way.

United are one of the powerhouses of world football, and they enjoyed immense success under Sir Alex Ferguson.

But, Van Gaal and his style of football was deemed boring by fans and critics alike, and the fans let the manager know about it, booing him off the pitch as well. Things did not go according to plan despite having the services of stars like Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney and experienced players such as Bastian Schweinsteiger during his stay at Old Trafford.

Manchester United failing to qualify for next season's Champions League only made the situation worse for LVG. So, Van Gaal was also aware that he was inching closer to the exit doors, and it was confirmed on Monday.

"I would like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equalling 12th FA Cup for the club (and securing him a title in four different countries)," United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said in a statement. "He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here.

"He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future."

Manchester United said an announcement on the new manager will be made news, but there is little doubt that person will be Jose Mourinho.

Van Gaal revealed his regret at having to leave early, but was proud to have been given the "honour" of managing Manchester United.

"I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history," Van Gaal said. "I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career.

"I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan. I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success."

With Mourinho's imminent appointment, the future of Ryan Giggs at Manchester United is in doubt. Giggs was tipped to take over as the manager once Van Gaal's tenure ended, and it remains to be seen if the Portuguese will offer the former winger a place in his coaching team, and if the Welshman will then accept it.

When Mourinho takes over at Old Trafford, the Premier League will have some of the world's best managers, and the league next season will comprise names like Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Arsene Wenger ( Arsenal), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool) and Antonio Conte (Chelea).